In Brief

Global Majors Invest In Uttaranchal

A consortium led by international investment firm, Chescor Capital is in the process of finalising a US$ 200 million eco-tourism project in Uttaranchal. In the past three years, the state has attracted investments to the tune of US$ 9 billion collectively in various sectors like manufacturing, hydropower, IT, biotechnology, agriculture and tourism.

Around 800 acres of land on the outskirts of Corbett National Park has been allocated for the eco-tourism project of Chescor. The project will be developed as a pure eco-tourism venture with green relaxing spaces, golf course and orchards. Alan More, partner of Chescor Capital said, "We are with a Delhi-based architect Fairwood Consulting and the initial capital spend will be funded by a consortium group of companies."

Rajasthan, Pondicherry To Jointly Promote Tourism

After her recent three-day visit to Pondicherry, Vasundhara Raje Scindia, chief minister, Rajasthan, hinted at a joint promotion of tourism-related projects between the state and the union territory. According to Raje, collaborating with Pondicherry would be mutually beneficial as Rajasthan attracts a large number of French tourists. Raje plans to put forth a request to the Union Railway Minister for the introduction of a direct train service between Jaipur and Pondicherry to facilitate and enhance the flow of international tourists between the two tourist destinations.

Srinagar Second Indian City To Get Heritage Map

After Delhi, Srinagar has become the second Indian city to get a documented map of its heritage structures. This 1,600-year-old city achieved a milestone recently when its first heritage map compiled by the Centre for Heritage and Environment Kashmir (CHEK) was launched by chief minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

The five-volume cultural resource mapping, which divides the city into four heritage zones, has been completed in collaboration with Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH). Apart from individual buildings, the listing includes sites, structures and objects such as bridges, wetlands, gardens, ghats, etc The mapping work was done by a group of four young architects and according to CHEK, which has identified 825 heritage marvels in the city.

Pudukottai Makes Beeline For Heritage Status

A detailed proposal is being worked out by the district administration to secure a heritage status for Pudukottai in Tamil Nadu. Once a princely state, it boasts of many old buildings and ancient places of worship. The Collector's office, the Government Museum building, which is said to be over 200 years old and the Public Office building are some of the heritage structures. The famous rock cut cave temple of Sri Kokarneswara and Goddess Brahadambal at Thirugokarnam, built during the Pallava dynasty within the town, are among the other attractions. The Government Museum at Thirugokarnam is the second oldest museum in the state displaying rare collections of artifacts and historical records. A team of officials will collate information on the history, culture, architecture and potential tourist spots within the town and its periphery and prepare a draft to be presented to the state government to push for a heritage status for Pudukottai.

(Compiled by Indrani Rajkhowa, Delhi)